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Ponderosa Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — California · Los Padres National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Los Padres National Forest |
| Location | California · Los Padres National Forest · 36.00500, -121.37639 · Map |
| Sites | 23 public sites counted from the federal listing — 23 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 23 sites Water hookups at 0 of 23 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 23 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 23 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 40 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 19 sites · 30 ft: 11 sites · 35 ft: 8 sites · 40 ft: 2 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 3:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 23 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 805-434-1996 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-11-04.
From the official listing
Overview Ponderosa Campground offers visitors a beautiful location to relax and enjoy nature. It runs along the Nacimiento River, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Swimming, fishing and wading are all enjoyed by visitors, as well as hiking and backpacking on any of the surrounding mountain trails. Recreation The Nacimiento River provides opportunities for trout fishing and wading, as well as swimming in any of the swimming holes along its course. A variety of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails can be accessed within a short drive from the campground. The trails offer scenic views of waterfalls, massive redwood groves, meadows and mountain streams. Facilities The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Utility hookups are not available and the parking surfaces are paved. A maximum of two vehicles is allowed for each site. Additional vehicles are not allowed in the campground.
Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash collection bins are available throughout the campground. Natural Features The campground is situated next to the river and has a scattered canopy of ponderosa pine, oak, madrone and sycamore trees, which provide ample shade in most campsites. It is located in the Los Padres National Forest in the mountains of Big Sur at an elevation of 1,500 feet. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area. Nearby Attractions Mission San Antonio is a short drive east of the campground. Located in the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Base, the mission is one of the oldest in California. A museum, original aqueducts and a Native American cemetery are found here.
The San Antonio Reservoir Recreation Area is located about 32 miles southwest of the campground. Boating, fishing, swimming and guided tours are available.
Directions, from the listing
Campground is only available to access via the 101 side, the Highway 1/ Nacimiento Road Access is CLOSED.
From Monterey, Take highway 68 to the 101. Accessible through Highway 101 exit Jolon Road.
From Los Angeles/South take highway 101 to the Jolon Road exit, follow until campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
7 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServicePlaskett Creek Campground
8 mi straight-line · BIG SUR CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMemorial Campground
9 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceEscondido Campground
11 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceArroyo Seco Group Campground
17 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Ponderosa Campground
California · Los Padres National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | California · Los Padres National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 40 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 23 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233118 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.